From Mexico City to Manila, the United Kingdom to the United States, Taylor Swift fans hooted, sobbed happy tears and danced their way through the pop star's latest album release, "The Life of a Showgirl."
Swift's 12th studio offering dropped Friday, and her Swifties were more than ready for it. Many were dripping in the color orange to usher in her latest era at gatherings around the world. Some closed their eyes to take in the fresh dozen tracks amid the chaotic crowds around them.
Fans gather Thursday to celebrate the release of Taylor Swift's new album, "The Life of a Showgirl" in Mexico City.
José María Bastida, a writer, rocked an orange sequin tuxedo jacket at a watch party in a Mexico City restaurant serving Swift-themed cocktails, including a tequila heavy "Ophelia's Juice" and a liquored up "Showgirl Slushy."
"I feel like it's super experimental," he said of the album, "because it's supposed to bring a lot of new stuff and we haven't seen that more sexy side of Taylor Swift."
Roel Calderon, left, and Ashley Miramontes try on fashions inspired by Taylor Swift's new album, "The Life of a Showgirl," at a TikTok/Taylor Swift fan activation pop-up event Friday in Los Angeles to celebrate the release of the album.
In Los Angeles, the fervent lined up at midnight at a Target to snap up the new music on vinyl and CD. Maria-Elena Garcia rented a hotel room and drove in from Santa Barbara.
"I like a lot of her values and like we have a lot similar values. For example, cats," she said.
In theaters, Swift is schooling AMC on how to treat her fans. The theater chain has granted special permission for moviegoers to sing and dance their way through screenings of "The Official Release Party of a Showgirl," in select theaters for the weekend only. Added bonus: No trailers beforehand.
Taylor Swift performs May 9, 2024, at the Paris Le Defense Arena during her Eras Tour concert in Paris.
Fiona Cela, 11, in London woke up at 4:30 a.m. to listen to the album. She then headed out with her mother to the studios of Global Radio, hoping for a glimpse of Swift as she gave an interview there. On her agenda after that: school.
"Taylor as a person is just super kind and loving," she said, her wrists stacked with Swift-themed friendship bracelets. "Her music is so inspiring."
At the Black Dog pub in London, thought to be the location for Swift's song "Black Dog" from her last album, vacationing American Natalie Richmond, 43, showed up to mark the occasion. Her two Swiftie daughters woke her up extra early to listen to the album.
"We actually lived in Nashville early on so we've been following her ever since she began," Richmond said. "She's relatable. She's the person that everybody wants to be friends with. We all listen to her music and think I'd love to go out and hang out with her."
Fans gather Thursday to celebrate the release of Taylor Swift's new album, "The Life of a Showgirl" in Mexico City.
Kansas City's Union Station was lit up in orange and teal in celebration. Musician Chloe Rose entertained Swift fans with four hours of covers at a spot there ahead of the release as the crowd made friendship bracelets and sipped on themed cocktails.
Number balloons for "12" floated around as Rose sang and played guitar and keyboards. Fan Tara Pickarell showed up but chose solitude to later take in the new work. "I have to be in my own space to listen to it. I need my own little bubble."
Pickarell is happy the album is pop heavy.
"I do like her slower songs, but I'm excited to get back to like 1989 'Reputation' vibes," she said.
Midnight, a drag queen, performs Friday as Taylor Swift at a "The Life of a Showgirl" fan launch party in Manila, Philippines.
In New York, hundreds of fans lined up to walk through a three-day Spotify pop-up offering five showgirl-themed rooms. They took photos with feathery boas and other props.
"I feel like there's so few moments like this where you actually get to connect with other fans," said Ali Meehan. "Like we all kind of listen in our rooms, alone in our houses."
Aimee Jay gestures walks toward her daughters Friday before the official release of Taylor Swift's new album, "The Life of a Showgirl," at the AMC Metreon in San Francisco.
This time around, Swift includes abundant nods to fiancé Travis Kelce amid the glitz, glamour and Las Vegas lechery of it all. This Swift isn't waiting in the wings, and she's definitely not holed up alone.
"This is so different from the last album, but in a really good way," said Hannah Zuckerbraun, a fan in a Swift T-shirt among Target-goers in Los Angeles. "Like, it's a lot happier sounding. I feel like it's perfect and upbeat."
Relive the Eras tour on an RV road trip through Taylor Swift's America
Relive the Eras tour on an RV road trip through Taylor Swift's America
Updated
"It's a love story, baby, just say, 'yes'." - Taylor Swift, "Love Story" (Taylor's Version)
For Taylor Swift fans, the music isn't just entertainment—it's a roadmap to the places and experiences that have shaped one of the world's biggest stars. If you couldn't score tickets to the Eras Tour or are simply craving more Swift-inspired adventure, Outwander crafted the ultimate Swiftie RV road trip. This unforgettable journey takes you through the heartland of Taylor's songs, from her childhood home to the city that never sleeps.
As Taylor sings in "Lover," "this is our place, we make the rules." So pack your guitar and lyrics journal, because this trip is all about seeing the world through her eyes. Get ready to explore the spots that sparked Taylor's creativity and feel the romance, heartbreak, and coming-of-age magic captured in her songs.
Stop 1: Welcome to New York
"Walking through a crowd, the village is aglow." - Taylor Swift, "Welcome to New York" (1989)
Start spreading the news—the first stop is NYC. While Manhattan isn't exactly RV-friendly, you can park at nearby Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City and catch amazing views of Lady Liberty herself. Then, hop on the subway and head straight to the West Village. Wander down the leafy streets and feel the city love story of "Cornelia Street" come alive—bonus points if you snag a great find at Hamlet's Vintage shop. Grab a latte at Swift-frequented Mud Coffee and imagine scribbling lyrics on napkins.
Where to Stay: Liberty Harbor RV Park (great NYC skyline views)
Playlist Musts: "Welcome to New York," "Cornelia Street," "False God"
Stop 2: Reading, Pennsylvania
"In my heart is a Christmas tree farm, where the people would come to dance under sparkling lights" - Taylor Swift, "Christmas Tree Farm"
Next, travel back to Taylor's roots in Reading, PA. Little Taylor spent her earliest years on an idyllic Christmas tree farm here, which inspired delightfully nostalgic hits like "Christmas Tree Farm". While the Swifts' actual farm is private, you can still explore the same cozy Berks County countryside that shaped her love for the season.
Drive through nearby Wyomissing, where Taylor first picked up a guitar and began crafting her musical storytelling. Stretch your legs with a walk down the quaint main street. Chat up the locals and you might hear stories about her early performances at fairs and coffee shops. Rainy day? Cozy up on the nearby Colebrookdale Railroad to enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Book the Parlor car for the best seats and some delicious light bites.
Where to Stay: French Creek State Park (scenery straight out of a Swift song, full RV hookups)
Playlist Musts: "Seven," "Christmas Tree Farm," "Never Grow Up," "It's Nice to Have a Friend"
Stop 3: The 615
"New to town with a made-up name, in the angel's city, chasing fortune and fame" - Taylor Swift, "The Lucky One" (Red)
Welcome to Nashville—the heart of Swift Country. In Taylor's late teens, her family moved to nearby Hendersonville so she could chase her musical dreams. Those early days come alive in the yearning, striving hits on her first few albums.
In Nashville proper, make a songwriter's pilgrimage to the iconic Bluebird Cafe, where Taylor was first discovered at their legendary open mic nights. Keep the creative juices flowing with a trip to Grimey's, her favorite indie record store. Then, explore the memorabilia exhibits at the Country Music Hall of Fame to witness her evolution from country darling to global pop phenomenon.
Where to Stay: Nashville KOA (close to downtown, shuttle service available)
Playlist Musts: "Tim McGraw," "Our Song," "The Lucky One," "Fifteen," "Teardrops on My Guitar"
Plan Your Own "Love Story"
As a true Swiftie, you know all too well that fall is Taylor's favorite season. Follow in her footsteps by taking this trip in September or October to catch the "Autumn leaves falling down like pieces into place". The temperatures will be perfect for cozying up in boots, a Swift-inspired classic cardigan, and an oversized scarf while sipping pumpkin spice lattes between stops.
Some other trip planning tips:
- Driving time from Reading to Nashville is about 12 hours. Plan to split this into two six-hour driving days with an overnight stop in between.
- Book your RV parks as early as possible (at least a few months out) since fall is a popular camping season.
- Pack your best concert-going outfits to channel your inner popstar at The Bluebird Cafe or The Sutler Saloon for an open mic night.
- Remember that some spots on the trip, like the Swift's farm, are private property. Respect the privacy of any current owners and stick to public areas.
Are you ready for it? This Swiftie RV trip is your chance to experience all the enchanting settings and stories behind the music you adore. There's no telling what kind of sparks will fly when you have an open road and a Taylor soundtrack. Now, what are you waiting for? As Taylor might say, "Dear reader, get out your map. Pick somewhere and just run."
This story was produced by Outwander and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
